The benefits of inner work are best understood within the three relationships that govern our life: the relationship to ourselves, to other people and to the wider world.

Relationship to ourselves

The way we relate to ourselves determines how we see and value ourselves, what we think is possible and permissible for us. Inner work allows clients to treat themselves with more care, confidence and compassion. They are better connected to their embodied self and the richness of their emotions, which gives them more vitality and joy.

As a result, clients become more aware of their core, which is the source of their needs, desires, values, talents, and sense of purpose. From this place they can define their future development path, e.g. the type of leader they want to become or the kind of parent or partner they want to be.

Relationship to others

In relating to others, clients are emotionally more resilient, meaning they remain more balanced and present in the face of turbulent emotions and situations. They also have better boundaries, so they can stay true to their inner compass, even in the face of other people’s expectations or demands.

They also find it easier to show their true emotions, to be vulnerable and to connect to the feelings of others. They are more honest about what they really think or need, which builds intimacy, both at work and at home. Complementing their cognitive knowledge and abilities with this emotional sensitivity increase my clients’ impact.

Relationship to the world

Finally, in their relationship to the community, culture or wider system they are a part of, clients feel more connected. And if they don’t, they find the courage to look for a place they do feel they belong to. Clients also feel their life has more meaning and purpose beyond their personal gain. When leaders embrace this, it galvanizes their development and the impact they have on their organisation and beyond.

And finally, a reality check

Inner work is not a panacea, a guarantee for a pain-free and easy life. Neither is it a guarantee for corporate success or a solution to one’s natural limitations and personality traits. And it most certainly isn’t a quick fix to whatever limits my clients in their pursuit of better performance or fulfilment.

My clients still have good days and bad days and they can still get triggered by people and situations. And life will still throw the occasional curveball, which will confront them with unknown layers of their psyche. And inner work is a slow process that requires much practice, failing and trying once more. But all in all, my clients lead their lives with more presence, ease, honesty, acceptance and humanity.